Bibb County grand jury won't re-indict former DFACS granny

MACON - A Bibb County grand jury has declined to re-indict a 51-year-old Macon woman accused of causing the January 2000 death of a 19-month-old toddler in her care. <br> <br> The grand jury refused Tuesday to indict Pearlie Mae Jones on charges of murder, cruelty to children and involuntary manslaughter. <br> <br> District Attorney Howard Sims says he probably will not present the case to another grand jury. <br> <br> Jones could not be reached for comment. <br> <br> Jones was first arrested and charged in the death of 19-month-old Ariel Shaw nearly three years ago. Jones cared for Ariel as head ``granny&#39;&#39; of the state-operated Granny House. <br> <br> Ariel, who was born prematurely and had multiple medical problems, was taken into state custody in the summer of 1999 after doctors said her failure to thrive was because she was not being fed properly. <br> <br> Ariel was first placed in a foster home, but later moved to the Granny House. <br> <br> In January 2000, Ariel was taken to the hospital with breathing problems. Her condition did not improve and she was later declared brain dead. Ariel&#39;s death was initially ruled natural, but an autopsy reportedly found signs of trauma.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/1/185557